Defending the call
In last night’s Patriot-Colts game, the Patriots had 4th and 1.5 yards to go on their own 28 yard line with 2:08 remaining and a 34-28 lead. If the Patriots can gain two yards, they win the game and end the Colts’ undefeated season. If they punt the ball, they give Peyton Manning the ball with two minutes and three time outs left. Patriot’s punter Chris Hanson averages 34.8 yards in net punting. Assuming an average kick, Peyton Manning would had to have gone 63 yards to score the game-winning TD.
I salute you, Bill Belicheck, for making the gutsy and I say correct call. It is more likely for your offense to get two yards than it is for your defense to stop the Colts’ offense from scoring after that punt. It may not have worked out, but you made the right decision.
